Storage system and method

ABSTRACT

A shelving system having one or more shelving units is disclosed. In some embodiments, the shelving units include one or more corner shelving units and/or one or more rectangular shelving units, each of which has one or more shelves connected to and supported by uprights. Shelving units can be connected together by telescoping or non-telescoping rods. The rods can be connected to the shelving units by brackets connected to hanger rails on the uprights of the shelving units. In some embodiments, the components of different shelving units are the same, and can be interchanged, thereby reducing the number of different parts needed for construction of different shelving systems. Also, the free-standing nature of the shelving units (and resulting shelving system) can simplify installation and can enable shelving systems to be installed in otherwise unavailable locations.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of conventional shelving systems is available for storing all types of articles and products in many different environments, some of which present unique challenges. For example, it is often desirable to install shelving in closets, laundry rooms, stock rooms, coolers, garages, and other rooms (each of which is hereinafter referred to only as a “room”) in which modification to the walls, floor, and ceiling is not possible or acceptable.

Also, rooms in which shelving is to be installed vary significantly in size and shape, which may increase the difficulty in installing standardized shelving in an efficient and space-saving manner. Although customized shelving can be manufactured to meet the particular dimensions and shape of any room, the costs associated with non-standardized shelving often render such shelving uneconomical. In addition, shelving customized for a consumer's particular room dimensions is generally at odds with the desire for consumers to purchase shelving that is ready-to-assemble and install, and with the ability to construct such shelving without requiring the consumer to purchase a significant number of different shelving assembly components. In this regard, the more customized shelving systems are made, the less modular and adaptable to other applications they become.

Accordingly, economical, modular, easy-to-install, adjustable, space-saving, and efficient shelving systems are welcome additions to the art.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular shelving system for installation in a corner of a room, wherein the modular shelving system comprises a first free-standing shelving unit adapted to be positioned in the corner of the room, the free-standing corner shelving unit comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, an unobstructed front corner through which user access to the first shelf is provided, a first rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent a first wall of the corner, and a second rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent a second wall of the corner, and a second free-standing shelving unit having a shape that is different from that of the first free-standing shelving unit, the second free-standing shelving unit coupled to the first free-standing shelving unit a distance from the first free-standing shelving unit, and comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the second plurality of uprights.

In some embodiments, a modular shelving system is provided that comprises a plurality of substantially identical uprights, a first plurality of substantially identical shelves, and a second plurality of substantially identical shelves having a shape different from that of the first plurality of substantially identical shelves, at least one of a rod and a shelf, wherein the plurality of substantially identical uprights are interchangeable with the first and second pluralities of substantially identical shelves to construct two free-standing shelving units having different shapes coupled by the at least one of the rod and the shelf spanning a distance between the two free-standing shelving units.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular shelving system, comprising a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the second plurality of uprights, and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the rod having a length that is adjustable to change a position of the first free-standing shelving unit with respect to the second free-standing shelving unit.

In some embodiments, a modular shelving system is provided that comprises a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the rod releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open collar.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular shelving system, comprising a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights, and a third shelf extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the third shelf releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open collar.

In some embodiments, a method of assembling a modular shelving system is provided that comprises coupling first and second shelves to a first upright of a first plurality of uprights to at least partially define a first shelving unit, the first shelf located above the second shelf in the first shelving unit, coupling a third shelf to a second upright of a second plurality of uprights to at least partially define a second shelving unit disposed a distance from the first shelving unit, coupling at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the first upright at a location between the first and second shelves after coupling the first and second shelves to the first upright and without disassembly of the first upright, and coupling the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the second upright to couple the first and second shelving units together.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular shelving system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a support post of the shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the support post illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner shelf of the modular shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1, modified to include hanger rails and a rod coupled thereto by brackets.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1, modified to include hanger rails and a plurality of rods coupled thereto and to a wall rail via brackets.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system of FIG. 1, modified to include a hanger rail and a rod coupled thereto and to a wall via hanger brackets.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rectangular shelf liner of the modular shelving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a corner shelf liner of the modular shelving system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

With reference first to FIG. 1, a modular shelving system 10 is shown, and includes a corner shelving unit 14 and a rectangular shelving unit 16. The corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a five-sided polygonal footprint, while the rectangular shelving unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a rectangular footprint. Shelving units 14, 16 having other shapes (described in greater detail below) can have footprints of other shapes. Each of the corner and rectangular shelving units 14, 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a number of uprights 12 coupled to and supporting a number of shelves 22 as will be described in greater detail below. The modular shelving system 10 can have any number of uprights 12 for supporting any number of corner shelves 20 or rectangular shelves 22 (herein collectively referred to as “shelves” and/or “shelf” unless stated otherwise). Also, it should be noted that the shape of the shelves 20, 22 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, any or all of the shelves 20, 22 can have the same shapes as shown in FIG. 1, but can be available in different sizes, while other shelves 20, 22 can have entirely different shapes (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, round, oval, elliptical, irregular, and the like).

The corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shaped to have two rear sides 92 and an unobstructed front corner 90 through which users are provided access to the shelves 20 and articles/products upon the shelves 20. The corner shelf 14 can therefore be placed in a corner (i.e., adjacent the walls defining the corner) and even between two adjacent shelving units 14, 16 of any type without preventing a user from accessing the interior of the corner shelving unit 14. This corner shelf unit structure can enable users to access and utilize portions of the corner shelving unit 14 that might not otherwise be used if blocked by one or more front uprights 12.

In some embodiments of the modular shelving system 10, one or more of the shelves 20, 22 of the corner and/or rectangular shelving units 14, 16 are adjustable to different heights along the uprights 12. For example, the shelves 20, 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 are adjustable to different positions along the uprights 12, and can be secured thereto in any conventional manner. In other embodiments, none of the shelves 20, 22 are adjustable to different positions in the modular shelving system 10.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, each upright 12 can have a hollow cylindrical shape, although solid uprights 12 can be used in other embodiments. The uprights 12 can have any cross-sectional shape desired, including, without limitation, round, oval, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, irregular, and other cross-sectional shapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the uprights 12 each have a generally round cross-sectional shape. Although the cross-sectional size and shape of each upright 12 can be constant along the length of the upright 12 as shown in the illustrated embodiments, this need not necessarily be the case.

In those embodiments in which at least either or both ends of the uprights 12 are hollow, the ends of the uprights 12 can be closed with caps 44, if desired (see FIG. 3). Such caps 44 can be pressed, threaded, pinned, or secured into place on the ends of the uprights 12 in any other manner. In some embodiments, an end of one or more uprights 12 includes a foot 40 designed to be placed in contact with a floor surface. The foot 40 can take any of the forms just described with reference to the caps 44. Also, the foot 40 is adjustable in some embodiments, such as by a threaded connection between the foot and the uprights 12 or between different portions of the foot 40. Such adjustability enables a user to raise and lower the associated upright 12 in order to level the shelving unit 14, 16.

The uprights 12 of any shelving unit 14, 16 disclosed herein can comprise a single integral element or any number of elements coupled together in any manner. For example, an upright 12 can include a single pole, or two or more poles connected end-to-end. The individual sections of multiple-sectioned uprights 12 can be connected in a number of different manners, such as by mating connections (e.g., press or clearance fit connections, threaded connections, splined and/or keyed connections, and the like), connections established by couplings (e.g., double-ended threaded or press-fit couplings received on or in the ends of adjacent upright sections), by telescoping connections between upright sections, by adhesive or cohesive bonding material, welds, brazing, or in any other manner. For example, the uprights 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 are constructed of multiple sections joined by threaded couplings 42 as shown in FIG. 3. The couplings 42 illustrated in FIG. 3 have threaded ends that engage threads formed in adjacent sections of an upright 12.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated uprights 12 each have a plurality of external circumferential grooves 18. These grooves 18 can be used to secure shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12. In some embodiments, multiple grooves 18 enable the attachment of multiple shelves 20, 22 and/or accessories (e.g., rails 30, described below) to the uprights 12 and/or permit the shelves 20, 22 to be secured at a variety of points along the uprights 12. If employed, the grooves 18 can be used in conjunction with tapered or non-tapered bushings (not shown) in order to connect the shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12 in a conventional manner.

In some embodiments, shelves 20, 22 can be connected to the uprights 12 by positioning bushings (not shown) around the uprights 12 at one or more desired heights. As described above, the bushings can engage at least one of the grooves 18, if utilized. With the bushings in place, a shelf 20, 22 can be lowered onto the uprights 12 such that collars 50 (e.g., see FIG. 4) of the shelf 20, 22 at least partially surround and capture the bushings. In some embodiments, the collars 50 compress the bushings against the uprights 12. Tapered bushings and/or internally-tapered collars 50 can enhance this function. Accordingly, bushings can be compressed and locked in place in the grooves 18 at desired locations along the uprights 12 to secure the shelves 20, 22 at the desired heights. The cylindrical collars 50 are designed to fit over the uprights 12. Accordingly, and by enabling a user to secure the shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12 as described herein, the user can install any number of shelves 20, 22 at different heights along the upright 12. Supporting a shelf upon uprights 12 in this manner is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not therefore be discussed in greater detail.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the uprights 12 can be provided with other features and elements enabling connection of shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12. Such features and elements include without limitation a plurality of slots, recesses, and other apertures in the uprights 12, a plurality of ribs, studs, bosses, flanges, lips, pins, or other protrusions extending from the uprights 12, and the like. In still other embodiments, the surfaces of the uprights 12 are relatively featureless (such as when clamps, set-screws, or other fasteners are used to secure the shelves 20, 22 in place on the uprights 12).

The shelves 20, 22 of the shelving units 14, 16 can take a number of different forms. For example, the shelves 20, 22 can be wire-type shelves as shown in the illustrated embodiments, can be plate or panel-type shelves (e.g., solid plates or panels, expanded metal or other apertured plates or panels, and the like), or can take any other form desired. As another example, the shelves 20, 22 can be defined by two or more rods (e.g., rods 32, 134, 232, 234, 332 described in greater detail below) positioned to define a substantially horizontal support surface, such as two or more horizontal and parallel rods upon which product can be supported. The shelves 20, 22 can have a side wall about any part or all of the shelves 20, 22 as shown in the illustrated embodiments. In this regard, the shelves 20, 22 can have relatively high side walls to define a basket or other receptacle, if desired. Nevertheless, shelves having such other shapes are still referred to herein and in the appended claims as “shelves” for ease of description. Alternatively, the shelves 20, 22 have no such side wall in other embodiments.

The corner shelf 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 will now be described in greater detail, it being understood that the following description of the corner shelf 20 applies equally to the rectangular shelves 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 and to shelves having other shapes. With reference now to FIG. 4, the illustrated corner shelf 20 is a wire-type shelf having a hollow cylindrical collar 50 located at each corner, perimeter wires 52, edge wires 54, cross wires 56, and shelf surface wires 58. In some embodiments, two pieces of perimeter wire 52 at least partially define one or more sides of the shelf 20, and can be coupled to the collars 50 at each corner. Also, in some embodiments, the edge wire 54 runs between the pieces of perimeter wire 52. The edge wire 54 can be coupled to both pieces of perimeter wire 52, and can have a wavy shape along its length. In other embodiments in which wire-type shelves are utilized, one or more edges of the shelves 20, 22 can be defined entirely or in part by other types of wire, such as by upturned edges of cross wires 56 and/or shelf surface wires 58 (described below), perimeter wires 52 having other shapes with or without edge wires 54, edge wires 54 having other shapes with or without perimeter wires 52, and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated cross wires 56 extend between edges of the shelf 20, and are joined to the perimeter wires 52 and/or the edge wires 54 at both ends. The shelf surface wires 58 run perpendicular to and above the cross wires 56 between edges of the shelf 20 across the tops of the cross wires 56. In other embodiments, the cross and shelf surface wires 56, 58 are arranged in other manners with respect to one another while still falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a rectangular shelving unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are similar in many ways to elements and features in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon those elements and features that are different from the embodiments described above. Reference should be made to the above description for additional information regarding the elements, features, and possible alternatives to the elements and features of the shelving unit 116 illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter in the 100 series of reference numbers.

In some embodiments, the shelving units 14, 16 can be provided with one or more hanger rails 130 for mounting rods 134 or other shelving components on the shelving units 14, 16. Although FIG. 5 shows hanger rails 130 and a rod 134 installed on a rectangular shelving unit 116 similar to that of FIG. 1, the following description applies equally to the corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the rectangular shelving unit 116 is illustrated with two hanger rails 130, two brackets 136, and a rod 134. The hanger rails 130 can be constructed similarly to the shelves 122, or can have any other type of construction (e.g., one or more rods, plates, tubes or other elements) extending between and connected to the uprights 112. The hanger rails 130 can include hollow collars 138 that have a “C” shape rather than a full cylindrical shape. Such a shape can enable the hanger rails 130 to be snapped onto or otherwise installed at desired positions on the uprights 112 (see FIG. 6) without having to slide the hanger rails 130 along the uprights 112 from the ends of the uprights 112. Alternatively, the collars 138 can have the same or similar shape to the collars 150 (not shown in FIG. 6) of the shelves 122. The hanger rails 130 can be attached to the uprights 112 in any of the manners described above regarding the connection between the shelves 20, 22 and the uprights 12 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, for example, the C-shaped collars 138 compress bushings (not shown) located on the uprights 112 in a manner described earlier. It should also be noted that any number of hanger rails 130 can be mounted at different heights along any of the uprights 112, as desired.

The hanger rails 130 can also or instead have hinged collars 138 (not shown), in which a portion of each collar 138 is coupled to the rest of the collar 138 via a hinge, enabling a user to open and close the collar 138 for installation upon an upright 112. The term “open collar” as used herein and in the appended claims refers collectively to any collar having an at least partially opened shape or capable of being opened to have an at least partially opened shape for installation upon an upright 112, including without limitation the C-shaped and hinged collars 138 described above.

In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more rods 134 are coupled to one or more hanger rails 130 as described above. This connection can be made by one or more brackets 136, such as the brackets 136 shown in FIG. 5. The brackets 136 each include a cupped portion 170 shaped to cradle the rod 134 and a body portion 172 shaped to straddle the hanger rail 130. With reference to FIG. 7, which illustrates an identical bracket 336 used in another embodiment described below, the body portion 372 can include a pair of apertures 373 passing therethrough for one or more fasteners used to mount the bracket 336 to a wall or other structure. To install the bracket 136 on a hanger rail 130 as illustrated in FIG. 5, the body portion 172 is oriented with its open end directed generally downwardly and placed so that it straddles the hanger rail 130. In this and other embodiments, the rods 134 can be adjustable to different positions along the hanger rail(s) 130. For example, the brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 in the illustrated embodiments can be positioned anywhere along the hanger rails 130 by straddling the hanger rail 130 in any desired position therealong.

It should be noted that the brackets 136 (and therefore, telescoping or non-telescoping rods or other accessories coupled to the brackets 136) can be coupled to one or more shelves 120, 122 in any of the shelving system embodiments disclosed herein. For this purpose, the hanger rails 130 and the edges of the shelves 120, 122 can have the same or similar shape enabling a user to mount brackets 136 thereto. For example, and with reference back to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the hanger rails 30 are similar in shape to the lateral edges of the shelves 20, 22. In this manner, a user can connect one or more brackets 36 and associated accessories to a shelving unit 14, 16 by a hanger rail 30 (e.g., see the brackets 36 supporting the three telescoping rods 32 in FIG. 1) or by a shelf 120, 122 (e.g., see the brackets 36 supporting the single telescoping rod 32 in the center of FIG. 1), thereby adding an additional degree of flexibility to the shelving system 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rod 134 suspended between two brackets 136 supported by respective hanger rails 130. The rod 134 is cradled at each end by the cupped portion 170 of each bracket 136. In some embodiments, the brackets 136 (and therefore the rod 134) can be moved to different positions along the lengths of the hanger rails 130. Also, the hanger rails 130 can be adjusted vertically along the uprights 112 in a manner similar to adjustment of the shelves 122. Therefore, the position of the rod 134 can be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally to meet the needs of the user. It should be noted that multiple rods 134 can be added and supported by additional brackets 136 which can be installed on the same or additional hanger rails 130.

As described above, the brackets 136 illustrated in FIG. 5 straddle the hanger rails 130, while the rod 134 is received in cupped portions 170 of the brackets 136. In other embodiments, the brackets 136 can instead be permanently or releasably coupled to the hanger rails 130 and/or to the rod 134 by screws, bolts, nails, rivets, pins, and other fasteners, by clips, clamps, or inter-engaging elements, by adhesive or cohesive bonding material, by welds or brazing, or in any other manner. Also, any of these manners of connection can be employed for direct connection of the rod 134 to the hanger rails 130 (i.e., without the use of brackets 136). It should also be noted that the brackets 136 (if used) can be integral with the hanger rails 130 and/or the rod 134 in other embodiments, and can have any other shape suitable for performing the connecting and supporting functions described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a rectangular shelving unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are similar in many ways to elements and features in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon those elements and features that are different from the embodiments described above. Reference should be made to the above description for additional information regarding the elements, features, and possible alternatives to the elements and features of the shelving unit 216 illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 are designated hereinafter in the 200 series of reference numbers.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment identical to FIG. 5, but with an additional hanger rail 230 secured to a wall or other structure a distance from the rectangular shelving unit 216. Although FIG. 6 shows an additional hanger rail 230 and other structure (described below) installed on a rectangular shelving unit 216 similar to that of FIG. 1, the following description applies equally to the corner shelving unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The additional hanger rail 230 can be secured to the wall or other structure in any suitable manner, including any of the manners described above regarding the connections between the brackets 236 and the hanger rails 230. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the additional hanger rail 230 has three brackets 236 installed thereon, each of which supports a respective rod 232. The rods 232 are supported on their other ends by three additional brackets 236 supported by the rectangular shelving unit 216. The rods 232 are telescoping rods 232, and have a first portion slidable within a second portion to change the lengths of the rods 232. The telescoping rods 232 can perform the same functions as the rod 134 described above in connection with FIG. 5, but can also be adjusted to various lengths. In other embodiments, the rods 234 extending between the rectangular shelving unit 216 and the wall can be non-telescoping, if desired. The number of telescoping rods 232 is arbitrary, as multiple telescoping rods 232 can be supported by the same hanger rail 230.

With reference back to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the shelving unit 116 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a rod 134 suspended between uprights 112 in the rectangular shelving unit 116. The configuration shown in FIG. 5 is not limiting. The rod 134 can be interchangeable with a telescoping rod, if desired. Also, one or more rods 134 (or telescoping rods 32) can extend between hanger rails 130 in adjacent shelving units as shown in FIG. 1, or between a shelving unit 116 and a wall or other structure as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the rods 134 (or telescoping rods 132) can function as closet rods and/or as a shelf upon which items can be supported).

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a corner shelving unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are similar in many ways to elements and features in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon those elements and features that are different from the embodiments described above. Reference should be made to the above description for additional information regarding the elements, features, and possible alternatives to the elements and features of the shelving unit 314 illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 are designated hereinafter in the 300 series of reference numbers.

The corner shelving unit 314 illustrated in FIG. 7 is coupled to a telescoping rod 332 supported at both ends by hanger brackets 336. A first hanger bracket 336 is supported by a hanger rail 330 coupled to the corner shelving unit 314. A second hanger bracket 336 is secured to a wall or other structure by installing two screws 374 in the apertures in the body portion 372 of the hanger bracket 336. Alternatively, the second hanger bracket 336 can be secured to a wall or other structure by another hanger rail (not shown) mounted to the wall or other structure (see the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6).

Any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 with regard to a rectangular shelving unit 36, 136, 236 can be employed on a corner shelving unit 14, 314, or any other type of shelving unit discussed but not illustrated. In many of the embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures, the shelving system components are modular, thereby allowing for many different types of shelving units to be constructed using the same components.

Additional features, uses, and applications, of the shelving system will now be described with reference only to the embodiment of FIG. 1, it being understood that such features, uses, and applications apply equally to the other embodiments disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, various components of the shelving system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are standardized, thereby enabling a person to use the same parts for different shelving units 14, 16. By way of example only, the uprights 12 used for the corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 are the same as those used for the rectangular shelving unit 16. Similarly, the hanger rail 30 on the corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is the same as the hanger rail 30 on the rectangular shelving unit 14, as are the brackets 36 used to connect the telescoping rods 32 to both hanger rails 30, and the bushings (not shown) used to mount the shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12. In this regard, the same uprights 12, bushings, hanger rails 30, brackets 36, and rods 32 can be used to assemble shelving systems having many other configurations (including those described above in connection with FIGS. 5-7). In this manner, parts used for constructing a shelving unit 14, 16 of one configuration can be used interchangeably to construct a shelving unit of another configuration 16, 14 without the need for specialized parts and additional inventory.

A number of the embodiments described herein are free-standing shelving systems. That is, such shelving systems are not intended to be connected to a wall, whether for structural support or otherwise. As mentioned above, shelving systems requiring modification to the walls, floor, and ceiling of a room are often not desirable or acceptable. Therefore, the free-standing shelving system 10 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 can be utilized in many rooms and other environments in which other shelving systems cannot be installed. Also, the free-standing shelving systems described herein and illustrated in the figures can enable a user to more quickly and rapidly install the shelving systems and to place the shelving units in more locations that would otherwise not be available. Furthermore, the free-standing shelving systems disclosed herein and illustrated in the figures do not require skilled installers for installing a shelving system adapted for a user's particular room or environment. Such a requirement often exists for many conventional shelving systems, where installation requires cutting and other modification of boards, rods, and other elements to adapt the shelving system to a particular room or environment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the corner and rectangular shelving units 14, 16 are connected to and by telescoping rods 32. Although non-telescoping rods can instead be employed, telescoping rods can provide another manner in which to adapt any of the shelving systems disclosed herein to a number of different rooms or environments. In particular, the locations of shelving units 14, 16 in any shelving system disclosed herein can be changed without requiring cutting or other modification of system elements (other than adjusting the telescoping rods 32 as needed). Consequently, an area in which shelving units 14, 16 are to be positioned can be fully occupied by the shelving system 10 without wasted space, simply by moving the shelving units 14, 16 to their desired locations and connecting them with one or more telescoping rods 32. Also, the shelving system 10 can thereby be easily adapted to extend around or otherwise accommodate a variety of obstacles or other features of the environment in which the shelving system 10 is installed, such as to extend over doors or doorways, to extend over and/or under windows, plumbing, ducts, supports, and other features of the environment, and the like. In conjunction with the interchangeability of system components described above and/or the free-standing nature of the shelving units 14, 16, this adaptability can significantly simplify shelving system installation while reducing the costs of the shelving system 10 and the installation thereof.

As described above, the hanger rails 30 can be coupled to the uprights 12 by open collars 38, enabling telescoping or non-telescoping rods 32, 34 to be installed upon the shelving units 14, 16. As also described above, telescoping or non-telescoping rods 32, 34 can be used to connect shelving units 14, 16 to one another and/or to an adjacent wall or other structure. These capabilities can enable a user to assemble one or more shelving units 14, 16 and to thereafter connect the shelving units 14, 16 to one another and/or to an adjacent wall or other structure via the rods 32, 34. In particular, by virtue of the open collars 38 described above, the open collars 38 can be mounted to the uprights 12 at any time during the shelving system assembly process (rather than being slid down the uprights 12 at particular points when the shelving units 14, 16 are assembled, as may be necessary when using non-open collars). In this manner, a user can complete assembly of the shelving units 14, 16, move the shelving units 14, 16 into desired installed positions, and then connect shelving units 14, 16 together with the rods 32, 34.

It will be appreciated that without this ability, the shelving unit assembly process can be significantly more difficult. Specifically, a user may otherwise have to know the desired heights of the rods 32, 34 and shelves 20, 22 of the shelving system 10 in advance—information that can be difficult to determine in some cases. If the user desires to move the rods 32, 34 and/or shelves 20, 22 to different locations upon the uprights 12, the user can easily remove, re-position, and re-mount the rods 32, 34 and hanger rails 30 (via the open collars 38). Without this capability, such adjustment could require disassembly of one or more shelving units 14, 16, such as the removal of one or more shelves 20, 22 in order to remove and re-position the hanger rails 30.

In some embodiments, the various features of the shelving system 10 described herein enable the shelving system 10 to be shipped, stored, and displayed in an efficient and cost-saving manner that is also attractive to retail and other consumers. For example, many of the embodiments described herein utilize a limited number of system components (e.g., uprights 12 and bushings, hanger rails 30, brackets 36, rods 32, 34, and shelves 20, 22) to construct many different shelving units 14, 16 and resulting shelving system configurations . Accordingly, in some embodiments, a retailer need only stock a limited number of different parts to provide customers with the full functionality of the system design disclosed herein. The system components could be stored in different areas of a retail bay or other point of purchase display (e.g., a first area in which identical shelving uprights 12 or shelving upright portions are stored, second and third areas in which identical shelves 20, 22 are stored, and fourth and fifth areas in which rods 32, 34 are stored), enabling a customer to purchase only those elements needed to construct a desired shelving system 10. Any or all of the system components disclosed herein can be stored and/or sold in this manner.

Shelving system components could be stored for purchase individually or could be packaged in any manner as kits. For example, identical uprights 12, identical shelves 20, 22, and identical rods 32, 34 can be packaged in any number (e.g., four uprights to a package, two rectangular shelves 22 to a package, and the like) for purchase by consumers. As another example, any combination of the system components described and illustrated herein can be packaged together, such as a kit containing a set of upright portions, a set of identical shelves 20, 22, and two hanger rails 30, or a kit containing a set of identical rods 32, 34 together with a set of brackets 36. In other embodiments, kits can comprise the elements (e.g., uprights 12 and shelves 20 or 22) needed to assemble a type of shelving unit 14 or 16, enabling a purchaser to purchase as many identical or different shelving units 14, 16 as desired for his or her particular environment. In such cases, other components, such as rods 32, 34, hanger rails 30, and the like, can also be included in kits or can be sold separately. Any or all of the system components disclosed herein can be packaged in any combination for sale in this manner.

In those embodiments of the present invention in which different system components can be purchased as needed by a user, signage can be included to provide instructions to the customer regarding which components he or she will need and the necessary quantity to construct a shelving system 10 meeting the customer's needs. This signage can be located at a point of purchase display, such as proximate one or more areas in which the packaged or unpackaged system components are stored (in kit form or otherwise), on packaging or labels associated with one or more of the system components, or in other locations.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a shelf liner 60 for a rectangular shelf 22, and a shelf liner 62 for a corner shelf 20. Both shelf liners 60, 62 are of a size that allows them to be laid atop a shelf 22, 20 to provide a solid top surface, if desired. This is an appropriate solution for items that may fall between the shelf surface wires 58. Each corner of the shelf liners 60, 62 can be provided with a cutout 64 for the uprights 12. Some or all of the cutouts 64 can have a shape substantially identical to the profile of an adjacent upright 12. These cutouts 64 can allow the shelf liner 60, 62 to cover the entire top surface of a shelf 20, 22. The shelf liners 60, 62 can be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the shelf liners 60, 62 can have significantly different shapes, such as to match the shapes of the shelves they are supported by.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a single corner shelving unit 14 is coupled to a single rectangular shelving unit 16 by a number of telescoping rods 32. In other embodiments, any number of corner and/or rectangular shelving units 14, 16 can be combined in order to construct a shelving system 10 adapted to a user's needs. For example, a rectangular shelving unit 14, 16 can be flanked by two corner shelving units 16 and can be coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/or non-telescoping rods 32, 34. As another example, a corner shelving unit 14 can be located between two rectangular shelving units 16 and can be coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/or non-telescoping rods 32, 34 and/or shelves 20, 22. In another embodiment, two or more corner shelving units 14 or two or more rectangular shelving units 16 can be coupled by any number of telescoping and/or non-telescoping rods 32, 34 spanning a distance between such units 14, 16.

It should also be noted that shelving units 14, 16 can be coupled together in a number of different manners in various embodiments. In some embodiments, adjacent shelving units 14, 16 are coupled together by one or more adjustable or non-adjustable rods 32, 34. Also, in some embodiments, two or more adjacent shelving units 14 and/or 16 are coupled together by one or more shelves 20 and/or 22, in which case collars 50 of the same shelf 20 and/or 22 can be connected to the uprights 12 of different shelving units 14 and/or 16 (e.g., collars 50 on opposite ends of the same shelves 20, 22 connected to uprights 12 of different shelving units 14, 16). As shown in FIG. 1 by way of example only, a shelf 22′ extends between and is coupled to the two illustrated shelving units 14, 16 via collars 50 at the ends of the shelf 22′. Although the collars 50 of the shelf 22′ are open, and have the same structure as the open collars 50 on the ends of the hanger rails 30 also shown in FIG. 1, the collars 50 can be closed in other embodiments. The open collars 50 on the shelf 22′ of the illustrated embodiment permit a user to install the shelf 22′ on uprights 12 at any location along the uprights 12, rather than install the shelf 22′ by sliding the shelf 22′ along the uprights 12 to a desired location. This capability provides the same advantages as described above in connection with the open collars 50 of the hanger brackets 30, 130, 230, 330.

In this regard, one or more of shelves can be defined by two or more adjustable or non-adjustable rods 32, 34 as described above. Such rods 32, 34 can be connected to the uprights 12 of the shelving units 14, 16 directly by open or hinged collars 50, 138, 238 on the ends of the rods 32, 34, or by hanger rails 130, 230 and brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 as described above. Also, in some embodiments, two or more shelving units 14, 16 can be coupled together by sharing one or more of the same uprights 12. For example, the collars 50 of one or more shelves 14, 16 from one shelving unit 14, 16 and the collars 50 of one or more shelves 14, 16 of another adjacent shelving unit 14, 16 can receive the same uprights 12. Still other arrangements of corner shelving units 14, rectangular shelving units 16, and other types of shelving units are possible to provide shelving systems 10 adapted to many different rooms and environments, each of which falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As another example, although the brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 in the illustrated embodiments are shown connected to hanger rails 30, 130, 230, 330 (e.g., for connecting rods 32, 132, 232, 332, 34, 134, 234, 334 to the shelving units 14, 16), the brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 can also or instead be coupled in a similar fashion directly to the shelves 20, 120, 220, 320, 22, 122,222, 322 in other embodiments to provide shelving systems 10, 110, 210, 310 having still other configurations. 

1. A modular shelving system for installation in a corner of a room, the modular shelving system comprising: a first free-standing shelving unit adapted to be positioned in the corner of the room, the free-standing corner shelving unit comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; an unobstructed front corner through which user access to the first shelf is provided; a first rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent a first wall of the corner; and a second rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent a second wall of the corner; and a second free-standing shelving unit having a shape that is different from that of the first free-standing shelving unit, the second free-standing shelving unit coupled to the first free-standing shelving unit a distance from the first free-standing shelving unit, and comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the second plurality of uprights.
 2. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of uprights have substantially the same structure.
 3. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first plurality of uprights each have a different length than the second pluralities of uprights.
 4. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
 5. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first free-standing shelving unit has a non-rectangular footprint; and the second free-standing shelving unit has a substantially rectangular footprint.
 6. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 7. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second shelves are coupled to the first and second pluralities of uprights, respectively, in substantially the same manner.
 8. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one another by a rod.
 9. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rod is coupled to at least one of the uprights of at least one of the first and second free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
 10. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of at least one of the first and second shelves.
 11. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rod has an adjustable length.
 12. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one another by a shelf.
 13. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shelf is coupled to at least one of the uprights of at least one of the first and second free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
 14. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second free-standing shelving unit comprises a substantially horizontally-extending first rod located substantially within the second plurality of uprights.
 15. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one another by a second rod.
 16. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first rod is coupled to the second plurality of uprights by at least one first bracket; and the second rod is coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units by at least one second bracket interchangeable with the at least one first bracket.
 17. A modular shelving system, comprising: a plurality of substantially identical uprights; a first plurality of substantially identical shelves; and a second plurality of substantially identical shelves having a shape different from that of the first plurality of substantially identical shelves; at least one of a rod and a shelf; wherein the plurality of substantially identical uprights are interchangeable with the first and second pluralities of substantially identical shelves to construct two free-standing shelving units having different shapes coupled by the at least one of the rod and the shelf spanning a distance between the two free-standing shelving units.
 18. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the two free-standing shelving units are coupled by a plurality of rods.
 19. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 18, wherein: the plurality of rods are adjustable in length; and the modular shelving system is adjustable to different room sizes by adjusting the length of the rods.
 20. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first plurality of substantially identical shelves are non-rectangular in shape.
 21. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second plurality of substantially identical shelves are substantially rectangular in shape.
 22. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first plurality of substantially identical shelves comprise corner shelves.
 23. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of substantially identical shelves are adjustable to different heights along the plurality of substantially identical uprights.
 24. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the two free-standing shelving units are coupled by at least one rod; and the at least one rod is coupled to at least one of the two free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
 25. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of a shelf of the first plurality of shelves.
 26. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the two free-standing shelving units are coupled by at least one shelf; and the at least one shelf is coupled to at least one of the two free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
 27. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the second plurality of uprights; and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the rod having a length that is adjustable to change a position of the first free-standing shelving unit with respect to the second free-standing shelving unit.
 28. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the rod has first and second portions in telescoping relationship with one another.
 29. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units have different shapes.
 30. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 29, wherein one of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the corner.
 31. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
 32. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 33. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the rod is adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 34. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the rod is releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of uprights by an open collar.
 35. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the rod is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 36. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a rail coupled to the first upright via the open collar, wherein the rod is coupled to the first upright via the rail.
 37. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of rods collectively defining a shelf adapted to support product.
 38. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of the first shelf.
 39. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a third shelf extending between and coupled to at least one of the first plurality of uprights and at least one of the second plurality of uprights.
 40. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the third shelf is coupled to the at least one of the first plurality of uprights by an open collar.
 41. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the rod releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open collar.
 42. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the rod is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 43. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, further comprising a rail coupled to the first upright via the open collar, wherein the rod is coupled to the first upright via the rail.
 44. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the rail is coupled to a second upright of the second plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 45. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of rods collectively defining a shelf adapted to support product.
 46. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, further comprising a third shelf extending between and coupled to at least one upright of the first plurality of uprights and at least one upright of the second plurality of uprights.
 47. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the third shelf is coupled to the at least one upright of the first plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 48. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units have different shapes.
 49. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein one of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the corner.
 50. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
 51. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 52. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the rod is adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 53. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; and a third shelf extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the third shelf releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open collar.
 54. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the third shelf is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 55. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, further comprising a rod extending between and coupled to at least one upright of the first plurality of uprights and at least one upright of the second plurality of uprights.
 56. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the rod is coupled to the at least one upright of the first plurality of uprights by another open collar.
 57. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of rods collectively defining a fourth shelf adapted to support product.
 58. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the first and second free-standing shelving units have different shapes.
 59. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein one of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the corner.
 60. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
 61. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 62. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the third shelf is adjustable to different heights along the first and second pluralities of uprights.
 63. A method of assembling a modular shelving system, comprising: coupling first and second shelves to a first upright of a first plurality of uprights to at least partially define a first shelving unit, the first shelf located above the second shelf in the first shelving unit; coupling a third shelf to a second upright of a second plurality of uprights to at least partially define a second shelving unit disposed a distance from the first shelving unit; coupling at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the first upright at a location between the first and second shelves after coupling the first and second shelves to the first upright and without disassembly of the first upright; and coupling the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the second upright to couple the first and second shelving units together.
 64. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second shelving units are free-standing shelving units.
 65. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein coupling the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the first upright comprises receiving the first upright within an open collar.
 66. The method as claimed in claim 65, wherein coupling the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the second upright comprises receiving the second upright within another open collar.
 67. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf is a rod, the method further comprising coupling the rod to a rail to couple the rod to the first upright.
 68. The method as claimed in claim 63, further comprising coupling the rail to the first upright via an open collar.
 69. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf is a rod, the method further comprising adjusting a length of the rod.
 70. The method as claimed in claim 63, further comprising adjusting a vertical position of the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to a different location along the first and second uprights.
 71. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second shelving units each have footprints having substantially the same shape.
 72. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein: the first shelving unit has a non-rectangular footprint; and the second shelving unit has a substantially rectangular footprint.
 73. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second uprights are interchangeable. 